French economy

Business

'Immediately rejected': French telecoms firm SFR refuses rival's bid

SFR's owner, Altice Group, rejected the €17bn offer made by three French groups to take over the telecoms company. But negotiations are expected to continue.

16/10/2025

Economy

France's political turmoil drags on: What are the economic risks?

France’s political crisis is fuelling economic and market uncertainty, with risks to growth and compliance with EU borrowing rules. Bond spreads have widened, reforms are stalled, and analysts warn the ECB may need to act if the situation continues to deteriorate.

07/10/2025

Business

Shein faces backlash as it prepares to open physical stores in France

Galeries Lafayette and other iconic French department stores could now house Shein's physical shops, with the Chinese fast-fashion brand expecting to create 200 jobs.

02/10/2025

Economy

French billionaire Bernard Arnault slams wealth tax as 'deadly'

Politicians in France reacted to heated comments from the country’s richest man after Arnault called the Zucman tax a way to "destroy the French economy".

22/09/2025

Business

Fitch downgrades France's credit rating amid political crisis

France’s credit downgrade deepens political and economic woes, piling pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron and new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.

13/09/2025

Economy

France’s confidence vote rattles bonds, leaves stocks unmoved

While equities shrugged off the latest political drama in Paris, the bond market’s sharp move higher could indicate investors are bracing for a deeper test of Europe’s fiscal stability.

08/09/2025

Europe News

What are the consequences for the EU of political upheaval in France?

The possible fall of the government could weaken France on the European stage.

05/09/2025

Economy

The French government is in danger, and so is the French economy

Economic risks are emerging in France while political instability looms, as the third government is in danger of falling in little over a year. Further attempts to tackle the country’s enormous debt could be choked until after the next presidential election in 2027.

04/09/2025

Economy

Eurozone economic mood slips: French political crisis adds to worries

Eurozone economic confidence slipped in August, with sentiment weakening in Germany, Italy and Spain. France’s political crisis, ahead of a no-confidence vote, adds fresh uncertainty as markets brace for possible fallout.

28/08/2025

Markets

Risk of French government collapse sends jitters through markets

Major European stock indexes opened lower on Tuesday, with the CAC 40 in Paris leading losses, following news that the French government may be ousted next month.

26/08/2025

Economy

Eurozone growth surprises in July: Is the worst really over?

Eurozone economic growth picked up in July, driven by services and stabilising factory activity, suggesting a stronger start to the third quarter. Manufacturing showed signs of recovery, while inflation eased—offering cautious optimism for the bloc’s outlook.

24/07/2025

EuroVerify

Fact check: Which European country has the most public holidays?

A proposal by France's prime minister to get rid of two public holidays has prompted a discussion as to where in Europe workers get the most additional days off.

21/07/2025

Economy

Eurozone business activity stalls in June: Will the ECB cut again?

Eurozone business activity stalled in June, with PMI data showing flat growth linked to weak services and manufacturing. Germany improved slightly, while France declined. Persistent service-sector cost pressures and renewed energy concerns may cloud ECB rate cut prospects.

23/06/2025

EuroVerify

Can France's prime minister call a referendum on the budget?

The potential move follows the passing of France's tumultuous 2025 budget in February, which aims to reduce the public deficit to 5.4% of GDP this year.

08/05/2025

Economy

French trade deficit increases in February as transport exports lag

France’s imports advanced in February, boosted by communication and publishing products. However, transport and refined petroleum product exports fell.

08/04/2025

Economy

French deficit came in lower than expected in 2024 but risks remain

The public deficit was 5.8% of GDP in 2024 instead of the expected 6%, yet the Minister of the Economy said it was "not good news".

27/03/2025

Economy

Eurozone business activity rises as Germany’s manufacturing rebounds

Eurozone business activity expanded for a third straight month in March, driven by a rebound in German manufacturing and easing inflation pressures, offering early signs of a more sustained recovery.

24/03/2025

Economy

Taxing the rich could help cover increased French defence spending

France is looking at ways to increase its defence budget after the US paused its military aid to Ukraine. The heavily indebted country is not excluding taxing the rich.

04/03/2025

Economy

Inflation in France hits its lowest level in four years in February

France is standing out from the crowd, other leading European economies including Germany and Spain reported higher inflation for February.

28/02/2025

Economy

French inflation sees a jump in January as service prices rise

Energy and manufacturing product prices also contributed to higher inflation in January, as France continues to deal with increased political upheaval.

18/02/2025